**Title: DR Congo Reports 1,307 Confirmed Ebola Cases Amid Ongoing Outbreak**
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed a total of 1,307 cases of Ebola, with 377 fatalities attributed to the virus, according to an update released by health authorities on June 30, 2026. The outbreak, which marks the 17th occurrence of Ebola in the country, has primarily affected three provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
In a troubling development, a case has also been identified in a fourth province, Haut-Uele, which borders South Sudan and the Central African Republic. This new case was reported after an infected individual traveled from Bunia, the capital of Ituri, to Haut-Uele. Unfortunately, the traveler has since died, prompting health officials to initiate contact tracing to identify potential sources of transmission.
The spread of Ebola in Haut-Uele raises concerns as it now impacts the entire northeastern region of the DRC, home to approximately 15 million residents. The province of Ituri has been identified as the epicenter of the current outbreak, which began in May. Health officials have noted that the virus often spreads during funerals, where the bodies of Ebola victims, which are highly infectious, are handled by family members and friends.
Efforts to manage the outbreak have been hampered by community mistrust towards health workers. Many locals are hesitant to engage with aid efforts, complicating the implementation of safe burial practices that are crucial in preventing further transmission. In DRC culture, funerals can last several days, during which it is customary for attendees to touch the deceased, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
Reporting from a treatment center in Rwampara, Ituri province, Al Jazeera correspondent Catherine Wambua-Soi highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare workers. She noted that many treatment centers lack adequate resources, including protective gear, medicines, rapid test kits, and body bags. These shortages have been exacerbated by incidents of violence against health facilities, including attacks by local mobs. Last month, for instance, tents at a treatment center were set ablaze by an angry crowd, reflecting the deep-seated distrust some communities have towards medical personnel.
In response to the escalating outbreak, the DRC government has implemented a ban on public gatherings in four provinces, including the capital city, Kinshasa. This measure is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. The ban was issued ahead of a planned protest against constitutional reform scheduled for July 8, which has led opposition figures to claim that the government’s actions are politically motivated.
As the DRC grapples with this public health crisis, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, and health organizations are working to provide necessary support and resources to combat the outbreak. The DRC's Ministry of Health has called for increased vigilance and cooperation from local communities to help contain the spread of Ebola and protect public health.